Thanks guys!! Not having the original on the bench during this build required that I use Shumway's photographs in RCA, and my copy is filled with pencilled notes and measurements. None of the photos are full scale, so I had to develop a ratio for each one, using known dimensions provided by George. From this ratio, I was able to determine roughly all of the dimensions that make this rifle what it is. Factor into that, that I was using a barrel that was 1" at the breech rather than 1 1/16", and the lock plate on the Siler is just a hair short of the original. But the depth top to bottom, the width and height of the wrist, length of comb, distance between inlays, etc, I meticulously recorded. Still, I know my inlays won't fit into the original's recesses, and there are several things I would do better if I were to do it again, which I am not. And yes, I shall keep this one. I love shooting it. I love cleaning it!! I'm very pleased with the rifle. David Rase cut the barrel channel and drilled the rod hole for me, and he made it exactly as I asked him to. There is just enough room between the barrel and the 5/16" rod hole for a 8 x 32 tpi lock bolt, and the wood along the bottom of the forend is only about 3/32" thick. You'd think that a rod tapered from 7/16" to .300" over 48" would not be strong enough to load a tight combo in a .50 cal rifle, but it works great.
I engraved everything right on the rifle. I have a Gravermeister but still haven't taken the time to set it up and learn how to use it. I used a 90 degree Glensteel graver set in a 3/8" diameter brass handle driven by a hammer to do almost all the engraving. I have mixed feelings about these gravers. I have used the same dies sinkers chisels for so many years, using something new and better is not all it's cracked up to be. For the patchbox, I used countersunk wood screws to hold it down for fit and finish, and for engraving, and replaced them with the spikes when all the finishing was done.
When I drawfiled the barrel, I spent some time on the corners of the flats to soften them, and then went over everything again with 180 grit abrasive cloth. I carded the barrel between applications (6) with the end of a roll of coarse canvas, which produced a soft yet very smooth brown with no evidence of machine or file marks. It's a very tough metal finish.
I'm glad you all are enjoying this rifle. It's a pleasure to present it to such an audience.
